Friday, January 23, 2015

A SPECIAL FEATURE ON G/SOUTH WARD A READER ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE

t would be right to say that the there are no major BMC hospitals in the G/South ward has been one of ward, there are more than enough the fastest developing regions health posts and dispensaries in this in the city. The area presents WE PLAN TO SET-UP ward. Other major Municipal hospitals both opportunities and chal- like B.Y.L. Nair Hospital, K.E.M. Hospi- lenges. For the BMC’s G/South tal, etc. are within the reach of resi- WardI office, overseeing the growth pro- dents of this ward. Incidents of ma- cess on one hand and tackling issues such FIRST BUSINESS laria cases in this ward is comparative- as the outbreak of malaria and dengue ly on a higher side but due to consistent on the other, has been an onerous task. efforts from Municipal staff in various But the G/South Ward office has been departments and particularly by Pest managing the various issues quite effi- DEVELOPMENT CENTRE SOON Control Officer and Health Department, ciently. To find out more about the prob- we have succeeded in achieving drastic lems and the prospects in the area under reduction from the peaks in 2010. All his jurisdiction, we recently spoke to -Lower , Elphinstone and parts of Prabhadevi, have emerged as one of the hot spots in over the staff is working very hard and tak- Keshav Ubale, Assistant Municipal the past decade, being witness to a flurry of residential and commercial activities. These areas comprising the ing extra care by organizing malaria Commissioner, BMC. The following are and dengue control campaigns, health the excerpts: G/ South Ward of the Brihanmumbai Mahanagar Palika is the first choice of not only the rich and famous to talks, special Sunday medical camps and other measures also. R. A. Podar Can you tell us about the area under your own a home, but also of the corporates to own office space. Since the turn of the century, several old mills have Ayurvedic Medical College & M. A. Po- purview? What are the boundaries that dar Ayurvedic Hospital run by Govern- cover the G/South Ward? given way to residential and commercial towers each boasting of superior construction and amenities at ment of is also situated in >> The area under the G/South Ward G/South Ward. In the field of educa- jurisdiction covers Mahalaxmi Race premium prices. The area is now dominated by luxury skyscrapers, upscale restaurants and pubs, premium tion, there are almost 69 Municipal Course, Lower Parel, Worli, Prabhadevi office space, luxury hotels, and boutiques. Schools having medium of instructions and Elphinstone Road. The boundaries in 8 languages - Marathi, Hindi, English, are from Haji Ali on the south to Kakasa- Tamil, Telugu, Kannad, Urdu and Gu- heb Gadgil Marg & Kashinath Dhruv Elphinstone bridge, on Jagannath Bhat- spread awareness by organising cam- jrati. There are also some private Marg at the north. The east comprises ankar Marg etc. The lack of a sewer paigns, health talks, special medical schools having a very good reputation. the area between Keshavrao Khade Marg network at Worli Koliwada and inade- camps and other measures. The ward has four colleges like Lala and Sane Guruji Marg, and the stretch quate public toilet blocks are some of Lajpatrai College, Watumal College of between railway station and the other challenges. Of late, the high How does G/South Ward measure up in Engineering, Sasmira College and Ra- Parel railway station on East. The west incidence of malaria cases is a real test terms of sewage disposal, water supply, chana Sansad running professional comprises the Arabian Sea. that we are facing. healthcare, education, open space and courses in various fields. Some of the roads ? best quality roads are in G/South Ward What has changed in the past few years What are the plans to overcome the >> In terms of infrastructure, G/South - Dr. Annie Besant Road, Lala Lajpatrai or how has been the transformation of challenges? Ward is better than most of the other Marg and Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan the ward in the past decade or so? >> As a solution to traffic congestion, the wards. Sewage disposal network in the Marg, to name a few. Most of the roads >> In the past decade, G/South Ward BMC has taken up a project to construct Ward is efficiently working and is also in G/South Ward are cement concrete has changed a lot. Up to the eighties and a coastal road by reclaiming land from properly maintained. Certainly there roads and minor roads are in Asphalt. nineties, this ward was dominated by the Arabian Sea. There are plans to dig are some issues about Worli Koliwada The Ward Engineers with their persis- several textile mills. Residents com- tunnels to carry vehicular traffic from but in the near future, the BMC will tent endeavor reduced potholes on pub- prised mainly the middle-class, who to and lived in Lower Parel. The elite lived vice versa, bypassing the G/South Ward. along Worli sea face. The gradual shut- We are working on construction of a fly- In terms of infrastructure, G / South Ward is ting down of mills gave way to large over from Dr E Moses Road to NM Joshi chunks of vacant land which became Marg bypassing Mahalaxmi station and better than other wards. The sewage disposal is available for real estate development. Jacob Circle to ease traffic in this area. Hence, the past decade saw large-scale The Elphinstone bridge on Jagannath good but we have to make it better. Water lines real development. Bhatankar Marg and the Currey Road too are being augmented for better supply. As Today we see some of the finest hotels, bridge are over a century old and need a exclusive residential buildings, public complete overhaul. We are working on for open spaces, we are maintaining 12 gardens. parking lots, the tallest building in the widening of Jagannath Bhatankar – all making their presence felt in the Marg and constructing wider bridges ward. The G/South Ward now is the over the railway lines. Further the in this area. In the proposed 2014-2034 lenge, but the BMC shall devise some resolve these issues. Water lines at lic roads in 2014-15 to just 17% of that most developing ward in Mumbai. MMRDA has planned an elevated East- plan, we are doing two tier planning of policy to construct public sanitary many places are being augmented to pro- reported in 2013-14. Times of India in West corridor from -Worli Sea the area. The Maritime Board is con- blocks. vide adequate water supply considering collaboration with Praja Foundation Can you mention some of the unique Link to -Nhava Trans Harbour Link structing anti-erosion bund on the sea Off late more malaria cases have been future needs. It is a proud thing that G/ had conducted a survey on a large scale challenges that the ward faces compared for faster traffic movement. coast. The BMC has taken the work of found in G/South Ward as compared to South Ward is maintaining almost 12 gar- in 41 Municipal wards in various Mu- to other wards in the city? Worli Koliwada is an old settlement augmentation of sewer and storm water other wards. The BMC officers and dens in a very good condition. In case of nicipal Corporations in Mumbai Met- >> As compared to other wards in Mum- with houses built on either side of con- drain networks etc. workers are working an extra mile to open spaces, Mahalaxmi Race Course is ropolitan Region in January 2014. In the bai, G/South Ward has some peculiar gested roads. Local issues have been ham- We are also facing a problem of non- address this situation. Thankfully cases spread over approximately 225 acres of field of citizens’ satisfaction on various challenges like traffic congestion at pering implementation of the city devel- availability of space for construction of have drastically reduced thanks to the land, the largest open space in city is in counts, G/South Ward has stood Second. Worli Naka, Haji Ali, the area outside opment plan, which has also made it public toilets in the densely populated efforts of the staff and various depart- G/South Ward. In the field of healthcare, Mahalaxmi station, NM Joshi Marg, difficult to provide basic civic facilities Worli-Koliwada. This is a very big chal- ments. We are taking extra efforts to there are no issues in the ward. Though > Continued on page 2 > pg2 Friday, January 23, 2015 WE PLAN TO SET-UP FIRST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE SOON Contemporary Homes That Redefine Luxury Formerly a locality dominated by mill lands and housing society comprising mainly of mill worker families, Lower Parel and adjoining areas has transformed into an upscale residential location over the past decade. eventually versified into new business, notably retail centres and property development. Today, the mill-lands are still pivotal to Lower Parel but in a dif- ferent way. The size and location so close to the southern part of the city is a developer's dream. The locality has witnessed massive revolution in terms of redevelopment and several 30-40 storeyed high-rises >> TEAM G/SOUTH WARD have come up such as Dosti Flamingos, Ashok Gardens, Kingston Towers, > Continued from page 1 field of citizens’ satisfaction, we were hutments are being redeveloped Crystal Towers, Kalpataru Habitat, second in “Mumbai Patrol” Survey. through S.R.A. schemes. A recent Ashford Casa Grand, Raheja Atlantis, Recently the city is in the grip of We are of the opinion that we are ful- news of buying 400 cr. commercial Lodha Grandeur, Planet Godrej, Phoe- dengue and some citizens have lost filling the expectations of citizens of property at Lower Parel by a business nix Towers and BeauMonde among their lives ? How serious is the problem Lower Parel, Worli area but still there house endorses confidence of people others. Another fine example is World in your ward ? What are the specific are some fields where we have to im- for Lower Parel, Worli and Prabhadevi One, a premium project and the talk efforts you have taken in this regard to prove. In general, in G/South ward, as the preferred locations in Mumbai of the town currently. Major residen- fight the situation? roads are of good quality but footpaths to carry out business. tial developments are going on along >> Though there are around 100 sus- are not up to the mark and we have to Considering all these, Lower Parel, the stretch or Dr. E. Moses Road lead- pected cases of dengue, just four of pay more attention on improving these Worli is the best place to live as well ing towards Lower Parel. Four Seasons them are confirmed cases in the footpaths. I have already highlighted as carry out business in Mumbai. Hotels and Resorts, the Canadian hos- month of November 2014 in G/South several issues and challenges before evelopers are offering upscale pitality giant has opened its first prop- ward. As compared to other wards, the this ward and we have already taken Do you think it is a good place for the luxury apartments priced at Rs. erty in India which is located on Dr. E. problem of dengue is not so severe in steps in these matters. We have always residents and commercial D75-100 core, many of which are Moses Road. G/South ward. The major reason be- to keep in mind that this ward is no establishments to be in? Why? replacing dilapidated housing societ- In terms of connectivity, there are ing the extra mile efforts taken by the longer the mill land area but this is a >> This is the best ward to do busi- ies and slums. These are homes which two major connecting roads here – JJ Health and Pest Control department. most developing Ward. The iconic ness as well as reside. While we con- only the really rich can buy and are flyover and Tulsi Pipe road. In addi- The standard operating procedures for residential sky scrapers and huge tribute to address day-to-day and long made to customer’s specifications. tion, the monorail project between tackling the issues of malaria and commercial centres have already come term pending issues of the residents, Earlier, luxury meant a penthouse at and passes through dengue are already in place. These are up in this ward and we have to deliver we plan to establish a ‘Business De- the top of a building. Contemporary Parel on the eastern side. Lower Parel followed scrupulously by our experi- world class services to them. Keeping velopment Department’ for the first luxury homes are basically large hous- railway station on the Western line is enced staff, but Mumbaikars have to in mind, Corporation has decided, for time in G/SW soon. It will act as a es with amenities such as club houses, residential landmarks of Worli in- also a key junction for daily commut- understand that the mosquitoes re- the first time, to establish business single window for addressing busi- swimming pools and crèches, which clude Samudra Mahal, Eden Hall, Poo- ers to travel to parts of South Mumbai sponsible for dengue and malaria development centre for city area in G/ ness related concerns. There is a we had not heard of before. Luxury is nam Apartments, Venus Apartments, and Western suburbs. It enjoys con- breed in fresh water, generally in pots South Ward to enhance the ease of car- need to create ease in carrying out something that one vies for it has a Worli Hill, Avarsekar Heights, Urmi, nectivity to all sought after destina- for decorative plants, Petri dishes be- rying out business in this commercial business. This centre’s responsibility 'snob' value attached to it. The buyer Sagar Tarang, Campa Cola and Ni- tions like Bandra, , low the flower pots, plants, in the re- hub and business district. The tallest will be the city limits and two more feels that he is getting something ex- shika. Whereas Prabhadevi has also Worli sea link among others. The frigerator, defrost trays, trays below residential tower in the world is com- are planned, one in BKC and other in clusive. For a person looking at luxury, been up-scale thriving residential dis- Bandra-Worli sea link offers connec- air conditioners, water fountains and ing up in our ward and most of the the . the price point really does not matter trict with high-rise buildings built in tivity from Bandra in the western sub- so on. The staff from BMC cannot to a great extent. The key factors in recent years such as Beaumonde, urbs to Worli in South Mumbai. reach and check each and every flow- buying a luxury home are locations, Sumer Trinity Towers, Inder Tower The average capital values in Lower er pot or decorative plants, air condi- interiors, size, exclusivity, architec- and Sneha Sagar. Prabhanagar is a Parel are in the range of Rs. 35-55,000 tioners and refrigerators in every ture, automation and price. Most high- cosy warm group of residences one of per sq.ft today, the same were in the house. The citizens have to take care rise premium luxury apartments rang- the early settlements in Prabhadevi. range of Rs. 12-13,000 per sq.ft in 2007. for effective control of malaria and ing from 2,500 sq.ft to 20,000 sq.ft and A major landmark here is the Sid- Realty analysts expect the values to dengue by eliminating possible breed- priced between Rs. 15-100 crore with a dhivinayak temple which attracts hun- increase by 20-25 per cent in the next ing places in their houses and in sur- 360 degree view of the city are meant dreds of devotees every day, Tuesday 4-5 years. As for rental values, they are rounding areas. Corporation is con- for affluent home buyers with net being the main day of prayer. around Rs.75,000 for a 3BHK compared tinuously trying to involve citizens in worth above Rs. 25 crore and annual It is however Lower Parel and its to about 65,000 earlier. Some of the their information, education and com- income of Rs. 4-5 crore. surroundings that have been making apartments are also offering rentals munication drives for effective control Traditionally Worli Sea face has the news, boasting of skyscrapers and in the range of Rs. 1.5 lakh per month because prevention is better than cure. been a major residential area where integrated townships in place of tex- for a 3BHK. A buyer prefers Lower the rich and the famous live. Many tile mills. The suburb once had more Parel residence because not only it is What is the future of G/South Ward ? come for their morning and evening than 50 mills on 600 acres, a space 10 cheap by 20-25 per cent when compared What more needs to be done ? Do you walk at the sea face promenade which times bigger than Nariman Point. The to , or Alta- think it is a good place for the residents is one of the busiest in the city of textile strike of the mid-80s led to the mount Road but also the central loca- and commercial establishments to be Mumbai. The Worli Sea face also closure of most of these mills and tion means that the best of facilities in? Why? marks as one of the ends of Bandra- nearly a lakh mill workers losing their like education, retail and healthcare >> As I have already spoken in the >> G/SOUTH WARD OFFICE BUILDING Worli Sea Link. Some of the famous jobs. The disappointed mill owners are at a close distance. MONUMENTS THAT DEFY TIME

WORLI SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE >> Built in 1675 by the British, the Worli Fort is a long-standing structure on the Worli Hill that overlooked the Bay at a time the city was made up of just seven islands. The fort was used as a lookout for enemy ships and pirates. Often the fort is mistaken to be built by the Portuguese but that is not true. The original resi- dent of the fort was the legendary Dishankeshwar Kalsi who has also been recognized as a popular lavani performer. Today the Wor- li Fort is in ruins and has become a spot where illegal activities and con- structions have come up though the historical site is under the protection of the state archaeological and archive department. >> One of the most revered deities of Mumbai where thousand throng, often barefoot on Tuesdays, to have darshan and their wishes fulfilled, woes & trou- bles solved is the Shree Siddhivinayak MAHALAXMI TEMPLE Ganapati Mandir. It is located in Prab- hadevi, Mumbai. Originally built by >> Built around 1785, the Temple is one Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil in 1801, of the most famous temples of Mumbai the temple is one of the richest in Mum- situated at Mahalaxmi. The temple con- bai. The temple was earlier a small tains images of the Goddesses Mahal- place of worship but grew in promi- akshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. nence and size due to the continuous All three images are adorned with nose patronage from the citizens of Mum- rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. bai, the various politicians and Bolly- Devotees from distant places throng to wood stars who continuously visit to the temple during Navaratri celebra- seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. tions, which is decorated for this occa- Siddhivinayak is well known as “Nava- sion, to pay obeisance. They have to sala Pavanara Ganapati” meaning the stand for hours in long queues holding Lord grants the wish whenever a devo- coconuts, flowers and sweets which tee humble and genuinely prays for it they offer to the goddess. in Marathi.

PORTUGUESE CHURCH >> Portuguese Church also known as The Church of Our Lady of Sal- vation is one of the oldest churches in Mumbai, originally built in 1596. The present structure, designed by famous Indian architect Charles Correa, was constructed between 1974 and 1977. Architecturally, the concept is one of quiet reflection and meditation. The large covered space of the baptistery, the main congregational space, the sacristy and the oratory are inter connected so that the covered seating and standing accommodation of the church is well over a thousand persons. All these areas open out to the gardens and courtyard that act as over- flow space for still larger congregations.

HAJI ALI

>> Bordering Lower Parel on the south side is the , one of the most recognised landmarks of Mumbai. The dargah containing the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic ar- chitecture and was constructed in 1431. The shrine is thronged by 30,000 to 40,000 visitors on Thursdays and Fri- days by people from all faith and religion. Currently the structural upgradation of the 600 year old dargah is going on as it has corroded, due to constant erosion, saline winds and constant flow of people per week. > pg3 Friday, January 23, 2015 > pg4Friday, January 23, 2015

THE WARD HAS BECOME ONE OF THE BIG SIGNATURE MOST VIBRANT SHOWCASE OF MUMBAI HOMES OF THE he Worli-Lower Parel lo- Which are some of the major cality would not have been projects that you have com- Twhat it is today had it not pleted here, and are pres- FAMOUS been for the vision and enter- ently under execution? Can prising efforts of the Lokhand- you elaborate? he Worli-Lower wala group. About two decades >>The Jijamata Nagar opposite Parel and Prab- ago, the Worli Naka and its sur- Four Seasons Hotel, which is a Thadevi areas is >> DEEPIKA PADUKONE rounding areas comprised main- slum colony of 4,000 slum dwell- known to have residences ly of slums and chawls housing ers; we have been working since of several tinsel town mill workers; and burial grounds 2004 for its redevelopment and celebrities, sportsmen of different communities. This rehabilitation. There are diffi- and businessmen. One of is when the Lokhandwala Infra- culties involved as the BMC Bollywood's most suc- structure made their first move wants the land for expansion of cessful actress, Deepika of building high-rise residences sewage pumping station. Since Padukone has opted to providing space to them is a and redeveloping, and rehabili- live in an ultra-modern tating the slums dwellers. Their complex issue, which may affect fl at in Beau Monde build- efforts have gathered momen- the slum dwellers interests, the >> M A LOKHANDWALA ing at Prabhadevi instead tum gradually, with other devel- >> ALI LOKHANDWALA Government of Maharashtra of a fl at in or Bandra. opers following suit only to help passed orders under Section 3 k A visionary and a philan- Beau Monde is at a stone’s transform this belt into one of ers have been done. There are (1) of Maharashtra Slum Areas thropist, the LION Moham- the finest showcase of realty de- two to three more projects under Act finding a middle way, so throw distance from the velopment—be it residential, development in the ward. that the BMC could get the land med Lokhandwala has been famous Siddhivinayak >> NEIL NITIN MUKESH >> BINDU commercial, retail or corporate to build a sewage pumping sta- the driving force behind temple. Noted director, offices. To find out more about What are your views on the tion and the slum dwellers Lokhandwala Group for the Sooraj Barjatya, of one of their efforts; how one of India's changing profile of the ward could also be rehabilitated in last 48 years. His vision has the most successful movies of most respected and reputed real over the years. How has it the same place. Work is now set made Lokhandwala a lead- all time, Hum Aapke Hai Kaun estate company changed the grown and changed over a to commence this year. We have ing brand in the real estate too lives in Prabhadevi. Some ward, we interviewed Director, period of time? two to three more projects un- time ago, it was believed that sector. He believes in giv- Ali Lokhandwala. Following is >>Way back in the 1990s, this der implementation. Of these, Neil Nitin Mukesh had booked an excerpt of the conversation. area mainly comprised of mill Minerva project is more than ing back to society and has a posh nine bedroom apart- halfway through. Empress worker's settlements, cemeter- been associated with many ment in Worli. Anu Agarwal, In recent years, which are the ies and burial grounds, large Court and Victoria are also un- social welfare activities. His of the Aashiqui fame, lives on major projects that the group slums, factories, workshops der implementation. One or two has completed in the G/South and garages. When we started are in the pipeline. life has been inspiring peo- Pochkhawala Road Worli, so Ward? with Lady Ratan Towers, there ple within and outside the does Bindu, and Puru Raj Kumar, >>We are the pioneers in the was a lot of uncertainty and What are the group’s efforts organisation, to go beyond son of veteran actor Raj Kumar. development of the area which doubt, but we successfully towards slum rehabilitation? the ordinary and rise above. Coming to sportsmen, a lot is now referred to as Upper Wor- completed the project and over >> The company has already of cricketers stay in Sportsfi eld li. The company’s first project 200 families are very happy. re-housed over 4,000 slum dwell- Co-operative Housing Society, started in 1995 and was called Initially, we had difficulty in ers in its various projects and say. Today, the ward has be- Worli seaface, the fi rst and the >> SUNIL GAVASKAR >> SOORAJ BARJATYA the Lady Ratan Towers. Since sales but we knew that the lo- the work of rehabilitating over come one of the most vibrant only society of its kind. Cricket then, the area has changed dras- cation was in the heart of the 6,000 slum dwellers is underway. showcase of Mumbai in terms legend Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi The Kasliwals, own- tically. We beautified Dr E. Mo- city with an unhindered view This being a big ward, there is of construction activity and an Shastri, Dilip Vengsarkar and Ajit Wadekar reside ers of S Kumars, are ses Road way back in 1997 and of the race course and the Ara- quite a bit of work that is still overall makeover exercise. The here. Also having residences in the nine-storey said to be building a to be completed. Worli-Upper Worli-Lower Parel ensured that the slums don’t bian Sea. The space sold at Rs. Sportsfi eld at Worli Seaface, are late Polly Um- luxury apartment com- come up. Over a period of two 2,800 per sqft and has now areas have become must-visit rigar, Bapu Nadkarni and Yajurvindra Singh, the plex in Lower Parel. more than 10 times apprecia- How would you rate your places. We will consider our- decades, the company has com- world test record holder for maximum catches, pleted several projects such as tion in 20 years. Through our contribution in the G/South selves as one of the major con- There are many others fi ve in an innings and seven in a match. Lokhandwala Residency, which first project, we lead the Ward’s makeover? tributors to this makeover. who are constructing was our second project and then change, subsequently other >>From an area that should be This area became very prime As for the big names from the corporate world, luxury towers for their Zahra, Lokhandwala Harmony, developers came in and the avoided to being one of the after we developed several businessmen are out in the market with the idea use, Venugopal Dhoot, Queens Court. Victoria and oth- ward has now transformed. most happening areas, I would projects. of owning a signature building that can be very chairman of Videocon exclusive. This trend has picked up in the last Industries, has a 12-sto- decade or so. These exclusive apartment towers ry private residential satisfy the need for recognition among their af- >> RAVI SHASTRI tower in Mahalakshmi. fl uent owners. It is something which signifi es as Some other big names having arrived in life. However, when asked, not many who plan to build residences or stay in this area are If you want to subscribe to are ready to divulge details about the building or as to Ajay Piramal, billionaire businessman Cyrus Poona- how much it costs. Perhaps they like to have a certain walla and Anil Agarwal of Sterlite. NCP leader Praful mystique about their homes to remain intact. Only Patel is believed to be building one for himself on the they can say for sure, and they do no talking. sea front at Worli.

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